Annuals. Stem wings ± con-tinuous, margins spinose, usually white and thickened. Leaf blades 40–200 × 20–80 mm, margins usually white and thickened. Involucres 12–18 × 8–12 mm, larger in fruit. Phyllaries ovate-lanceolate to lanceolate, glabrous. Cypsela/palea units ± obovate, 2.5–4 mm; pappi 0. 2n = 20.

Flowering Jul. Disturbed sites; 0–100 m; introduced; N.C.; Europe.